James 3:13-18 NLT
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
The proof that we know and understand God’s way is the way we live.
And the only thing that we should be comparing our lives against is the Holiness of God.
When we compare our lives against the lives of those around us, we stifle our spiritual growth in two ways.
1. We compare ourselves to those who, in our minds, have it all together and seem to be blessed with a feeling of jealousy or that we can never get to that level.
In this thinking, we can almost become resentful and jealous of what God is doing in this person’s life.
Eventually, throwing our hands in the air saying to ourselves, ”What difference does it make?”
And we put the brakes on.
2. We look at those who seem to be struggling, and our minds go to the thought of, ”At least I’m not that bad, I’m further ahead than that person.”
We can become very prideful and self-righteous in this thinking, thinking that we have it all figured out.
And we put on the brakes.
But when we compare ourselves to the glorious standard set forth by God, realizing that we will never attain perfection until the day of Jesus Christ and strive to grow deeper in our relationship with Him, our mind will start to shift from what we need and desire to the needs of those around us, being content with where we are in Jesus Christ letting the Spirit of God through His Word, guide us and stretch us further, realizing that our trials and challenges are there to provide the opportunity for us to grow.
Look at what living in the Spirit produces in us when we submit to Him.
1. It produces a feeling of peace, love, gentleness, and a willingness to yield to others.
We don’t have to be right even when we know we are right.
We can grow in God’s timing, not feeling like we have to catch up with someone we feel is ahead of us, enjoying their success, realizing that the church as a whole gets better when they get better.
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
2. It produces a spirit of mercy and the fruit of good deeds.
We start to put others’ needs before our needs, realizing that God will take care of all of our needs.
Matthew 6:33 NLT
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
3. We are helpful and show sincere concern for the needs of everyone around us, especially those who can never do anything for us or who challenge us.
Matthew 5:46-48 NLT
If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Colossians 3:13-15 NLT
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
This will result in the righteousness that God is looking for.
This will fly in the face of everything that the world’s standards have taught us. Those around us will not understand what we are doing, and this will also challenge us, but we are to ”Stand Firm,” keep ourselves focused on God, and He will accomplish His mission.
Philippians 1:6 NLT
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Heavenly Father, help me.
I need You center in my heart.
Let Your Spirit guide my thinking, attitudes, and actions.
Let what I think and what I do glorify You in every way.
Help me lay down my life as a living sacrifice to You. Use me to help bring about Your mission.
Help me look at others the same way You see others, with grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Let my life shine as a beacon of hope to those around me and You, and only You, I give all the credit.
In the gracious, merciful, and loving name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏🏻❤️
